I know how hard it is to get a creative marketing campaign started but take a quick peek at the month of March. Opportunities abound. In March, you will see a stellar array of occasions for marketing and promotions -- even for the most novice of marketers. Not only are there well-established traditions and holidays, but March offers some really creative and "funky" days that make for great chances for branding. There are several full weeks dedicated to various products causes, and events.

So, how can you use dates or occasions to create some innovative marketing campaigns?

Lets take March 17, St. Patrick's Day, to start. Did you know that the rubber band was invented on the same day? Think of all the unique ways you could use the rubber band to market your products and services. Do you remember what Office Max did using the Rubber Band man? They turn turned him in to a popular, recognizable icon. I still remember his song; long after the commercial has faded. That's memorable and powerful branding.

National Procrastination Week is a good one for all of us to start. That week offers a good segue to renew relationships and reconnect with out of touch acquaintances and colleagues. There are also many causes that are near and dear to the heart in March. International Women's day is on March the 8th and International Earth Day is on the 20th.

We can all relate to anything having to do with women. There are so many events connected with this cause that you have a myriad of ways to get involved. Last year, I wrote "How to Make Your Own History during Women's History Month." That article is available on my Women Owned Business CD. (Ask for more details).

There are loads of activities and opportunities to get some publicity through established organizations. If you support the environment or environmental causes then Earth Day is for you. If you are keeping up with the huge amount of publicity regarding the "green" movement you know that there are many nationwide, well-publicized activities during Earth Day.

One of my favorite days is the Ides of March. March 15th was the day Julius Caesar was given the warning of impending doom. Think of how you can spare all your customers the doom of not using your services or products.

And if you are totally stymied you can always celebrate the arrival of spring on the 20th. Use catchy phrases like spring forward," the rites of spring," spring break and spring into action to make this date work for you and your campaign. Do a quick GOOGLE search and see what turns up. You might be surprised to learn more about a March holiday. The media will look for angles on these popular topics too, so don't overlook the opportunity for some free publicity spotlighting you as the "expert" for this day.

Each unique date can have several ways to spin the opportunity. Many of these days even have their own cards dedicated to the event. If all else fails send a few Ides of March cards out to prospective clients. It's easy to use these marketing events to reconnect with your clients/customers in a fun and light hearted way. All it takes is a few moments of your time and a little research and you can be busy effectively and creatively marketing yourself or your company this March.